Gwangju, Korea, June 19, 2011 – Cuba prevailed in their battle against Korea to hold on to second place in Pool D of the 2011 FIVB World League with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-13, 25-18) win on Sunday at Yeomju Gymnasium in Gwangju.

In a packed stadium with almost 5,000 cheering fans, both teams put on a fine display.

At the beginning of the match, both teams came out strongly and the scores remained close. But from 19-19, Cuba used their strong serves and powerful attacks to take control of the set and win by a two-point margin at 25-23.

Cuba were well-focused at the start of the second set and put a lot of pressure on Korea with their powerful serves and high, fast attacks. With Korea unable to respond, the Cubans sealed the set by a 12-point margin.

Korea came roaring back early on in the third set as they concentrated well and took the initiative, leading 12-8 midway through the set. But Korea’s Park Jun-Bum, who came on to replace Kim Jung-Hwan in the third set, committed several unforced errors, which enabled Cuba to get back into the game. Cuba turned the set on its head and ran out 25-18 winners to seal the match.

Sunday’s match was Korea’s last at home. They will visit Italy and France in the next two rounds. Cuba will also head to Europe to play the same two teams, visiting France first and then moving on to Italy.